Biomedical subjects

Yong Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Yong Yang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Gambogic acid-induced G2/M phase cell-cycle arrest via disturbing CDK7-mediated phosphorylation of CDC2/p34 in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells.

Molecular mechanisms of cell-cycle arrest caused by gambogic acid (GA), a natural product isolated from the gamboge resin of Garcinia hanburryi tree, have been investigated using BGC-823 human gastric carcinoma cells as a model. Based on our 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometric analysis, treatment of BGC-823 cells with growth suppressive concentrations of GA caused an irreversible arrest in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. Western blot analysis demonstrated that GA-induced cell-cycle arrest in BGC-823 cells was associated with a significant decrease in CDC2/p34 synthesis, which led to the accumulation of phosphorylated-Tyr(15) (inactive) form of CDC2/p34. Real-time PCR, western blot and kinase activity assays revealed that GA-induced reduction of CDC2/p34 expression was mediated through the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CDK7/cyclin H) activity. In addition, GA-treated cells were shown to have a low level of CDK7 kinase-phosphorylated-Thr(161) CDC2/p34 (active). Taken together, our results suggested that the inhibited proliferation of GA-treated BGC-823 cells was associated with the decreased production of CDK7 mRNA and protein, which in turn, resulted in the reduction of CDK7 kinase activity. The reduced CDK7 kinase activity is responsible for the inactivation of CDC2/p34 kinase and the irreversible G(2)/M phase cell-cycle arrest of human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells.

CDC2 Protein Kinase↗

PubMed2006

Synergism of C5N six-membered ring and vapor-liquid-solid growth of CN(x) nanotubes with pyridine precursor.

A series of bamboo-like CN(x)() nanotubes have been synthesized from pyridine precursor by chemical vapor deposition with bimetallic Fe-Co/gamma-Al(2)O(3) catalyst in the range of 550 approximately 950 degrees C. An unusual predomination of pyridinic nitrogen over graphitic nitrogen has been observed for the CN(x)() nanotubes with reaction temperature below 750 degrees C. The pyridinic nitrogen decreases and the graphitic nitrogen increases with rising reaction temperature. A synergism mechanism of C(5)N-six-membered-ring-based growth through surface diffusion and vapor-liquid-solid growth through bulk diffusion was accordingly deduced and schematically presented. This mechanism could not only explain our own experimental results, but also understand the CN(x)()-nanotube-related experimental phenomena in the literature, as well as be in accordance with the basic principle of diffusion kinetics. A promising route to the challenging topic for synthesizing regularly arranged C(5)N or high-N-content CN(x)() nanotubes has also been suggested.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

[The study on relativity of the time of traumatic diskal hernia and the change of CT rate].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the relativity between the time when the traumatic prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred and the change of the CT numerical value. METHODS: The CT numerical value of the vertebral pulp of herniation (denoted as A) and the CT numerical value of the vertebral pulp without herniation (denoted as B) were measured in for 198 patients and analyzed the relation between this parameter and the time when the prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred. RESULTS: It's found find out that there is relativity between the parameter and the time when the prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred, and this difference has the value for the statistics, when the parameter is at about -12 to -40 HU, the average value is -25.8 HU (A < B), it can be determined the prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred within 3 months ago. When the parameter is at about -13 to 0 HU, the average value is -6.6HU (A is similar with B), it can be determined the prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred at about 4-6 months ago. When the parameter is at about 37 to 289HU, the average value is 96.1 HU (A > B). It can be determined the prolapse of intervertebral disc occurred more than 12 months ago. CONCLUSION: The approximate time can be determined when the prolapse of interverterbral disc occurred by the paremeter.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Beam orientation optimization for intensity-modulated radiation therapy using mixed integer programming.

The purpose of this study is to extend an algorithm proposed for beam orientation optimization in classical conformal radiotherapy to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and to evaluate the algorithm's performance in IMRT scenarios. In addition, the effect of the candidate pool of beam orientations, in terms of beam orientation resolution and starting orientation, on the optimized beam configuration, plan quality and optimization time is also explored. The algorithm is based on the technique of mixed integer linear programming in which binary and positive float variables are employed to represent candidates for beam orientation and beamlet weights in beam intensity maps. Both beam orientations and beam intensity maps are simultaneously optimized in the algorithm with a deterministic method. Several different clinical cases were used to test the algorithm and the results show that both target coverage and critical structures sparing were significantly improved for the plans with optimized beam orientations compared to those with equi-spaced beam orientations. The calculation time was less than an hour for the cases with 36 binary variables on a PC with a Pentium IV 2.66 GHz processor. It is also found that decreasing beam orientation resolution to 10 degrees greatly reduced the size of the candidate pool of beam orientations without significant influence on the optimized beam configuration and plan quality, while selecting different starting orientations had large influence. Our study demonstrates that the algorithm can be applied to IMRT scenarios, and better beam orientation configurations can be obtained using this algorithm. Furthermore, the optimization efficiency can be greatly increased through proper selection of beam orientation resolution and starting beam orientation while guaranteeing the optimized beam configurations and plan quality.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

Array-based nano-amplification technique was applied in detection of hepatitis E virus.

A rapid method for the detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) was developed by utilizing nano-gold labeled oligonucleotide probes, silver stain enhancement and the microarray technique. The 5'-end -NH(2) modified oligonucleotide probes were immobilized on the surface of the chip base as the capture probe. The detection probe was made of the 3'-end -SH modified oligonucleotide probe and nano-gold colloid. The optimal concentrations of these two probes were determined. To test the detection sensitivity and specificity of this technique, a conservative fragment of the virus RNA was amplified by the RT-PCR/PCR one step amplification. The cDNA was hybridized with the capture probes and the detection probes on microarray. The detection signal was amplified by silver stain enhancement and could be identified by naked eyes.100 fM of amplicon could be detected out on the microarray. As the results, preparation of nano-gold was improved and faster. Development time also was shortened to 2 min. Thus, considering high efficiency, low cost, good specificity and high sensitivity, this technique is alternative for the detection of HEV.

Gold↗

PubMed2006

Covalent immobilization of triacylglycerol lipase onto functionalized novel mesoporous silica supports.

A novel mesoporous silica material was synthesized via a silicate salt route in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol as the structure-directing agent under acidic conditions. The material was functionalized and employed as the supports (LPS-1 and LPS-2) for immobilizing triacylglycerol lipase from porcine pancreas (PPL). Not only they had a good thermal stability and reusability but also the activity recovery of LPS-1 and LPS-2 reached to 69% and 76%, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature region of the LPS supports immobilized PPL for hydrolysis of olive oil were at 8.0 and 55-60 degrees C. Kinetic parameters such as maximum velocity (V(max)) and the Michaelis constant (K(m)) were determined for the free and the immobilized lipase and LPS-2 immobilized PPL had the highest catalytic efficiency in the three. Meanwhile, the LPS supports exhibited many advantages than small porous materials for immobilizing PPL.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Long-term impact of transfer of phrenic nerve on respiratory system of children: a clinical study of 34 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term impact of transfer of phrenic nerve on respiratory system of children. METHODS: Thirty-four children with brachial plexus injury, 25 boys and 9 girls, underwent transfer of phrenic nerve and were divided into 3 groups according to the age when they underwent operation: group of the age of 0 - 12 months (n = 17), group of 13 - 36 months (n = 11), and group of 37 - 60 months (n = 6). Thirty-four sex, height, and body weight-matched healthy children were used as controls. Follow-up, including physical examination, pulmonary function examination (tidal volume, ventilation, etc), blood gas analysis, and chest radiography, was conducted for 4.03 years (3 - 7 years). RESULTS: The values of maximum vital capacity of the group of 0 - 12 months and group of 13 - 36 months were 1.0 L +/- 0.2 L and 1.2 L +/- 0.4 L, both significantly lower than those of the corresponding control groups (1.3 L +/- 0.3 L and 1.4 L +/- 0.5 L, both P < 0.05). The values of one-second vital capacity of the group of 0 - 12 months and group of 13 - 36 months were 0.8 L +/- 0.1 L and 0.9 L +/- 0.1 L, both significantly lower than those of the corresponding control groups (1.0 L +/- 0.1 L and 1.0 L +/- 0.1 L, both P < 0.05). However, the values of the maximum vital capacity and one-second vital capacity of the group of 37 - 60 months were 1.6 L +/- 0.3 L and 1.8 L +/- 0.5 L respectively, both not significantly different from those of the controls (both P > 0.05). The results of blood gas analysis of the 3 operation groups were not significantly different from those of the corresponding controls. Chest radiograph showed that the diaphragm top was raised by 1.93 intercostal spaces (0.5 - 3.5 intercostal spaces) in comparison with the contralateral sides with significant differences between the group of 0 - 12 months and the group of 13 - 36 months and between the group of 0 - 12 months and the group of 37 - 60 months (both P < 0.05). The recurrent respiratory infection rate and of the groups of 0 - 12 months and 13 - 36 months were 47.1% and 27.3% respectively, both significantly higher than that of the group of 37 - 60 months (0%). The thorax deformity rate of the groups of 0 - 12 months and 13 - 36 months were 41.2% and 9.1% respectively, both significantly higher than that of the group of 37 - 60 months (0%). Three of the children in the group of 0 - 12 months (17.6%) had digestive system symptoms. CONCLUSION: Transfer of phrenic nerve operated on children younger than 3 years may cause abnormalities of respiratory system, thorax, and digestive system. The younger the patients the more severe the consequences of the operation. The children older than 3 years tolerate the operation better.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

CD147 overexpression on synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis enhances matrix metalloproteinase production and invasiveness of synoviocytes.

Macrophage-like synoviocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are known as the most active cells of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are close to the articular cartilage in a position enabling them to invade the cartilage. Macrophage-like synoviocytes and FLS expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their interaction has aroused great interest. The present article studied the expression of CD147, also called extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, on monocytes/macrophages and FLS from RA patients and its potential role in enhancing MMPs and the invasiveness of synoviocytes. Expression of CD147 on FLS derived from RA patients and from osteoarthritis patients, and expression of CD147 on monocytes/macrophages from rheumatic synovial fluid and healthy peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of CD147, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA in FLS were detected by RT-PCR. The role of CD147 in MMP production and the cells' invasiveness in vitro were studied by the co-culture of FLS with the human THP-1 cell line or monocytes/macrophages, by gel zymography and by invasion assay. The results showed that the expression of CD147 was higher on RA FLS than on osteoarthritis FLS and was higher on monocytes/macrophages from rheumatic synovial fluid than on monocytes/macrophages from healthy peripheral blood. RT-PCR showed that the expressions of CD147, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA was higher in RA FLS than in osteoarthritis FLS. A significantly elevated secretion and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed in RA FLS co-cultured with differentiated THP-1 cells or RA synovial monocytes/macrophages, compared with those co-cultured with undifferentiated THP-1 cells or healthy control peripheral blood monocytes. Invasion assays showed an increased number of invading cells in the co-cultured RA FLS with differentiated THP-1 cells or RA synovial monocytes/macrophages. CD147 antagonistic peptide inhibited the MMP production and the invasive potential. Our studies demonstrated that the CD147 overexpression on monocytes/macrophages and FLS in RA patients may be responsible for the enhanced MMP secretion and activation and for the invasiveness of synoviocytes. These findings suggest that CD147 may be one of the important factors in progressive joint destruction of RA and that CD147 may be a potential therapeutic target in RA treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Sporadic onset of erythermalgia: a gain-of-function mutation in Nav1.7.

OBJECTIVE: Inherited erythermalgia (erythromelalgia) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which patients experience severe burning pain in the extremities, in response to mild thermal stimuli and exercise. Although mutations in sodium channel Na(v)1.7 have been shown to underlie erythermalgia in several multigeneration families with the disease that have been investigated to date, the molecular basis of erythermalgia in sporadic cases is enigmatic. We investigated the role of Na(v)1.7 in a sporadic case of erythermalgia in a Chinese family. METHODS: Genomic DNA from patients and their asymptomatic family members were sequenced to identify mutations in Na(v)1.7. Whole-cell patch clamp analysis was used to characterize biophysical properties of wild-type and mutant Na(v)1.7 channels in mammalian cells. RESULTS: A single amino acid substitution in the DIIS4-S5 linker of Na(v)1.7 was present in two children whose parents were asymptomatic. The asymptomatic father was genetically mosaic for the mutation. This mutation produces a hyperpolarizing shift in channel activation and an increase in amplitude of the response to slow, small depolarizations. INTERPRETATION: Founder mutations in Na(v)1.7, which can confer hyperexcitability on peripheral sensory neurons, can underlie sporadic erythermalgia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Werner syndrome and mutations of the WRN and LMNA genes in France.

Werner syndrome (WS) is a pleiotropic disease of premature aging involving short stature, tight, atrophied, and/or ulcerated skin; a characteristic 'birdlike' facies and high, squeaky or hoarse voice; premature greying and thinning of the hair; and early onset cataracts. Additional common symptoms include diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis of the digits, soft tissue calcification, premature atherosclerosis, rare or multiple neoplasms, malformed teeth, and flat feet. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the variable presentation and rarity of the disorder. Transmission is usually autosomal recessive. The WS gene, WRN, is member of the RecQ DNA helicase family. Biallelic mutations of WRN are responsible for most patients. Although heterozygous missense mutations in the LMNA gene have been observed in severely affected WS patients, this only accounts for a small fraction of non-WRN patients. Eighteen WS cases were referred to us for molecular analysis. Eleven had definite and three had probable WS according to the University of Washington Registry clinical criteria. All exons of the WRN gene and their splice junctions were sequenced. Of the fourteen definite or probable cases, 11 had one or more WRN mutation. Thirteen different mutations were found, and ten of these were previously undescribed. There were few phenotypic differences between patients with WRN mutation(s) and those who met clinical criteria though lacking WRN mutations. However, patients with mutations tended to have more symptoms overall, and mutations were not observed in the two cases with cardiomyopathy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Profilin 1 obtained by proteomic analysis in all-trans retinoic acid-treated hepatocarcinoma cell lines is involved in inhibition of cell proliferation and migration.

Previous studies have shown that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) suppresses growth of hepatocarcinoma cell in vitro. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the protein expression profiles by 2-DE in hepatocarcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 treated with ATRA. Our results reveal that six proteins were differently expressed in response to ATRA. Using MS and database searching, they were identified as profilin 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, RuvB-like 1, alpha-enolase, pyridoxal kinase and F-actin capping protein. We selected the up-regulated protein, profilin 1 (PFN1), for further studies. The PFN1 expression was increased in response to ATRA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The PFN1 expression was reduced dramatically in four hepatoma cell lines compared to L02 cell line of non-tumor origin. The PFN1 expression was also examined in 4 cases of primary hepatocarcinoma tissues by Western blot and 30 cases by tissues microarray. It was found that the protein level of PFN1 was lower in hepatocarcinoma tissues compared to that in the adjacent tissues. Similar to ATRA, overexpression of PFN1 led to inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, RNAi-based PFN1 knockdown could rescue the inhibitory effect of ATRA on cell proliferation and migration. In conclusion, ATRA inhibited cell proliferation and migration through up-regulation of PFN1.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMed2006

Confocal microscopic analysis of the spindle and chromosome configurations of human oocytes matured in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential effects of in vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes on the meiotic spindle and associated chromosome configuration. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Hospital-based IVF center. PATIENT(S): Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing unstimulated and stimulated cycles of oocyte retrieval. INTERVENTION(S): Immature (germinal vesicle and metaphase I) and mature (metaphase II) oocytes were collected from PCOS patients. The meiotic spindle and chromosome configurations in oocytes matured in vitro and in vivo were studied by confocal microscopy, with fluorescent labeling techniques for visualization of both microtubules and chromatin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Meiotic spindle and associated chromosome configurations. RESULT(S): Oocytes can develop to the metaphase II stage after IVM. Confocal microscopic observations revealed that the oocytes matured in vitro had a higher frequency of abnormal meiotic spindle and chromosomal alignment morphology than in vivo-matured oocytes. These abnormalities included a partial or total disorganization of the meiotic spindle microtubules. Abnormal chromosome organization included dispersal of chromosomes or chromosomes with an aberrant, less-condensed appearance. The proportions of abnormality in spindle and chromosome configurations in oocytes matured in vitro were 43.7% and 33.3%, respectively, which was significantly higher than in those oocytes matured in vivo (13.6% and 9.1%). CONCLUSION(S): In vitro maturation can have deleterious effects on the organization of the meiotic spindle and chromosome alignment of human oocytes. This result suggests one possible explanation for the reduced developmental potential of oocytes matured in vitro compared with those matured in vivo. This is likely a contributing factor to the overall lower clinical outcomes observed after IVM and ET.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Overview of image-guided radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy has gone through a series of revolutions in the last few decades and it is now possible to produce highly conformal radiation dose distribution by using techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The improved dose conformity and steep dose gradients have necessitated enhanced patient localization and beam targeting techniques for radiotherapy treatments. Components affecting the reproducibility of target position during and between subsequent fractions of radiation therapy include the displacement of internal organs between fractions and internal organ motion within a fraction. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses advanced imaging technology to better define the tumor target and is the key to reducing and ultimately eliminating the uncertainties. The purpose of this article is to summarize recent advancements in IGRT and discussed various practical issues related to the implementation of the new imaging techniques available to radiation oncology community. We introduce various new IGRT concepts and approaches, and hope to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the emerging clinical IGRT technologies. Some important research topics will also be addressed.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Involvement of bax/bcl-2 in wogonin-induced apoptosis of human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721.

The molecular mechanisms of wogonin-induced apoptosis of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells are reported. Wogonin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of SMMC-7721 cells in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Typical morphological changes and apoptotic blebbing in SMMC-7721 cells were observed after treatment with 1x10(-4) mol/l wogonin for a period of 0-48 h. Flow cytometry and Annexin-V/propidium iodide double-staining experiments revealed a dramatic increase in the number of apoptotic and G0/G1 phase cells after wogonin treatment. The proapoptotic activity of wogonin is attributed to its ability to modulate the expression of bcl-2 and bax proteins. It is observed that the expression of bax protein is dramatically increased whereas the synthesis of bc1-2 protein is significantly decreased when cells are treated with wogonin. The results presented in this paper suggested an important relationship between gene regulation and wogonin-induced apoptosis, and indicated the possibility of developing naturally occurring monoflavonoids as novel anticancer agents for better management of human cancers.

Annexin A5↗

PubMed2006

Halobacterium jilantaiense sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon isolated from a saline lake in Inner Mongolia, China.

A novel halophilic archaeon, NG4(T), was isolated from Jilantai salt lake in Inner Mongolia, China. The taxonomy of strain NG4(T) was studied by polyphasic methods. Strain NG4(T) grew at pH 5.5-8.5 and at a temperature of 22-55 degrees C. It was chemo-organotrophic, aerobic and required concentrations of 2.7-5.2 M NaCl and 0.05-0.3 M Mg(2+) for growth. Cells were Gram-negative, slender rods. Colonies on agar plates containing 25 % (w/v) total salts were red, elevated and round. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain NG4(T) was phylogenetically related to Halobacterium salinarum DSM 3754(T) (98.2 %) and Halobacterium noricense A1(T) (97.3 %). The DNA G+C content was 64.2 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness values with Hbt. salinarum DSM 3754(T) and Hbt. noricense A1(T) were 47 and 35 %, respectively. The polar lipids of strain NG4(T) consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, methylated phosphatidylglycerol phosphate, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, triglycosyl diether, sulfated triglycosyl diether and sulfated tetraglycosyl diether. It was concluded that strain NG4(T) represents a novel species of the genus Halobacterium, for which the name Halobacterium jilantaiense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NG4(T) (=CGMCC 1.5337(T)=JCM 13558(T)).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2006

Nutcracker phenomenon: a new diagnostic method of multislice computed tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated 3-D computed tomography angiography (3-D CTA) in the diagnosis of the nutcracker phenomenon, and its significance in postoperative follow up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional CTA was used to compare the anatomical relations of the left renal vein with the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery in patients with the nutcracker phenomenon and in a control group. Four patients with the nutcracker phenomenon received a surgical procedure of the transposition of the left renal vein. The 3-D CTA was used for all patients during postoperation follow-up testing. RESULTS: The 3-D CTA showed a compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abnormal acute angle between them. The angles and distances between the SMA and the aorta were 39.3 +/- 4.3 degrees and 3.1 +/- 0.2 mm in the patient groups and 90 +/- 10 degrees and 12 +/- 1.8 mm in the control groups, respectively. Differences in angles and distances were statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Surgical transposition of the left renal vein was performed successfully. Postoperative 3-D CTA revealed the distance between the SMA and the aorta was nearly normal. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction imaging of the renal vein by means of 3-D CTA revealed that unusual hematuria was due to compression of the left renal vein; therefore it may be a useful alternative imaging technique instead of conventional examinations. The non-invasive 3-D CTA may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of the nutcracker phenomenon and follow-up testing.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Protective effects of iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, on global cerebral ischemia-evoked insult in gerbils.

AIM: To investigate the protective role of iptakalim, a novel ATP sensitive potassium channel opener, on global cerebral ischemia-evoked insult in gerbils and glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury. METHODS: Global cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding the bilateral common carotid arteries in gerbils for 5 min. The open field maze and T-maze were employed to investigate the experimental therapeutic value of iptakalim on ischemic brain insult (n=8). The pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 regions were counted to assess the protective effects of iptakalim. Glutamate released from the gerbil hippocampus and PC12 cells were determined by HPLC. Intracellular calcium was measured by Fluo-3 AM with A Bio-Rad Radiance 2100TM confocal system in conjunction with a Nikon TE300 microscope. Astrocyte glutamate uptake measurements were determined by liquid scintillation counting. RESULTS: Iptakalim (0.5-4.0 mg/kg per day, ip) could reduce the high locomotor activity evoked by ischemia and improve global cerebral ischemia-induced working memory impairments. Histological studies revealed that iptakalim could increase the survival neuron in the hippocampus CA1 zone in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, iptakalim could reverse ischemia-evoked increases of glutamate in the hippocampus of gerbils. In an in vitro study, iptakalim protected PC12 cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, reduced the [Ca(2+)](i) increases, and enhanced the glutamate uptake activity of primary cultured astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Iptakalim plays a key role in preventing global cerebral ischemia-evoked insults in gerbils and glutamate-induced PC12 cell injury by anti-excitotoxicity. Iptakalim might be a promising novel candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of stroke.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation of greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate for the treatment of high-risk patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

AIM: To explore the feasibility and safety of greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) on high-risk patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to evaluate their clinical and voiding outcome. METHODS: A total of 85 high-risk patients with obstructive BPH underwent PVP with an 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser, which was delivered through a side-deflecting fiber with a 23 Fr continuous flow cystoscope. Operative time, blood loss, indwelling catheterzation, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume and short-term complication rates were evaluated for all patients. RESULTS: All patients got through the perioperative period safely. The chief advantages of PVP were: short operative time (25.6 +/- 7.6 min), little bleeding loss (56.8 +/- 14.3 mL) and short indwelling catheterization (1.6 +/- 0.8 d). The IPSS and QoL decreased from (29.6 +/- 5.4) and (5.4 +/- 0.6) to (9.5 +/- 2.6) and (1.3 +/- 0.6), respectively. The vast majority of patients were satisfied with voiding outcome. The mean maximal urinary flow rate increased to 17.8 mL/s and postvoid residual urine volume decreased to 55.6 mL. These results are significantly different from preoperative data (P < 0.05). No patient required blood transfusion or fluid absorption. There were few complications and very high patient satisfaction after operation. CONCLUSION: PVP has a short operative time and high tolerance, and is safe, effective and minimally invasive for high-risk patients, therefore it might be considered as a good alternative treatment for high-risk patients with obstructive urinary symptoms as a result of BPH.

Aged↗